Law, Policing & Investigation

A law degree brings with it prestige, good career prospects and the possibility of an attractive salary but, more than this, it opens a route into the legal profession.

You study the essential components of law which allow you to achieve a qualifying law degree, as well as choosing from a number of optional modules as diverse as the law of evidence, international law, family law, medical law and employment law.

You learn key skills which you can use in any career – critical appraisal, expressing a logical argument, research skills and fluent communication – and you get a taste of practising law in our replica courtroom. Add this to the experience you could gain from voluntary work or a placement - with these transferable skills you are well placed to work in a range of careers in all sorts of business environments.

What you study

To get Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) status, you must study Land Law and European Union Law in either Year 2 or 3. However, if you don't want a QLD, you can choose to study option modules instead.

Please note that module titles may be subject to change.

How you learn

Under the guidance of experienced and committed staff your learning involves a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and guided reading. In lectures, specific information is delivered to larger groups while in the smaller seminar groups issues can be explored in more depth. Workshops are informal sessions in which you can extend your knowledge or seek further clarification of issues. Apart from scheduled teaching sessions, staff are readily available to provide further academic support and guidance. Also, during the academic year, a variety of distinguished guests deliver lectures which enhance your learning experience and broaden your legal education.

How you are assessed

Assessment is varied and includes essays, problem-solving questions, examinations, presentations, mooting, poster presentation and a dissertation. You also undertake 'formative' assessment, that is assessment which does not count towards your overall mark but provides you with feedback so you can realise your full potential in those assessments that do count.

Professional placement

Work experience with solicitors or sitting with a judge in court may be available. There are also opportunities for relevant voluntary work.

Professional exemptions

Completion of the seven foundation subjects gives Qualifying Law Degree status, granting exemption from the academic stage of training as a solicitor or barrister.

Career opportunities

As well as the legal professions, a law degree provides the opportunity to pursue a wide range of careers including management, the probation service, the police, local government, education, journalism, accountancy, the civil service, politics, the music industry and research.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 260 tariff points from at least two A levels (or equivalent). A level law isn't essential. You must also have five GCSEs including English at grade C (or equivalent).

We recommend an Access course if you haven't any formal qualifications.

More information

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• Watch our video about law
  

• Guest speaker series
  Vera Baird QC, Solicitor General and MP for Redcar, delivered a guest lecture at the University. She talks about the impact of the law on women.

• Law Staff
  Meet the law staff

• Law, Policing & Investigation
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